We have had a fairly thin time with birding lately. Walks in the park have been rewarded with odd sightings of a Great Spotted woodpecker and the usual host of Tits.

Our plan to stay fit and healthy (and hangover-less) for the new year to allow a couple of long days out have been scuppered due not only to extreme weather but as my wife has hurt her back, we are grounded for the weekend.

I spent a little of the time watching over our small back garden, on the lookout...